UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
KORSUN — A priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Father Anatoliy, was dramatically released from mobilization proceedings today after local recruitment officials received confirmation of standing orders exempting clergy from conscription.
Fr. Anatoliy was stopped by police while driving and was immediately transferred to the local Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TCR). Staff began processing him for military service, including photographs for a military ID.
Unlike other Ukrainian clergy, UOC priests are not exempt from impressment (or forced conscription).
Minutes later, the center's commander intervened, informing subordinates of explicit instructions not to draft priests. Fr. Anatoliy was promptly released.
The incident was relayed to the UOJ by Archpriest Ioann Nalapko, dean of the Korsun region.
This episode coincides with the Society of St. John’s Day of Action on Capitol Hill, where nearly 200 Orthodox Christians gathered to advocate for religious freedom in Ukraine and protest perceived persecution of the UOC.
Among the organizer's demands was the end of the impressment of UOC priests.
Read also
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.
UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.
Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda
The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.
Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds
A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.
ROCOR Subdeacon Invites Rep. Joe Wilson to Divine Liturgy
Gregory Levitsky is a constituent of the congressman and called him to “repent of false witness.”